The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), under the Media in National Elections (MiNE) project, its Information Verification Initiative – Dubawa and DAIDAC, has observed the conduct of the Anambra Governorship Election held today, 8th November 2025, across the state. Our observers monitored polling units in all three senatorial districts, tracking voter turnout, election logistics, the conduct of security personnel, and incidents of electoral malpractice, including vote buying, underage voting and harassment of the media and observers.
1. Voter Turnout and Electoral Process
The election day commenced with the generally timely deployment of INEC officials and materials in several urban and semi-urban areas. However, delays in the commencement of voting were recorded in parts of Orumba South and Ihiala due to the late arrival of polling personnel and insufficient election materials. In Ihiala, some polling officials came to the polling units without the results sheet, which delayed the commencement of voting. Voter turnout did not depart from the historically low turnout recorded in previous election cycles. We urge INEC to reflect on more robust voter mobilisation strategies and improvements in voter register management.
2. Conduct of Security Agencies
Security personnel largely maintained a professional presence, contributing to orderly conduct in most polling units. Nonetheless, we received isolated reports of the late arrival of security personnel to some polling units, especially in Anaocha and Awka South Local Government Areas. These incidents must be reviewed and addressed to build public confidence in future elections.
3. Vote Buying and Electoral Offences
We observed widespread incidents of vote buying and undue influence across multiple polling units, with political actors and intermediaries openly inducing voters. This practice is in direct violation of Section 127 (a) and (b)of the Electoral Act, 2022, which criminalises vote-buying, prescribing penalties of fines and imprisonment. The continued normalisation of vote buying undermines the integrity of elections and erodes citizens’ trust in democratic institutions.
Call for Accountability and Transparent Result Collation
We urge INEC to ensure transparent, open, and timely collation of results at ward, LGA, and state levels. Collation centres must remain accessible to accredited party agents, observers, and the media. Furthermore, we call on INEC and the Nigeria Police to commence investigation and prosecution of individuals and networks involved in electoral offences without fear or favour. We reaffirm the longstanding recommendation for the establishment of an Election Offences Commission, as proposed by the Justice Uwais Electoral Reform Committee, to provide a dedicated institutional mechanism for deterrence and accountability.
We received the regrettable murder of Hon. Francis Onyedika Ibe, the Councillor for Owerre-Ezukala Ward 1 in Orumba South LGA, by gunmen. Violence and intimidation have no place in democratic elections. We urge security agents to fish out perpetrators and prosecute them in accordance with the law.
The integrity of this election will be judged not only by the voting process but also by the transparency of collation and the seriousness with which electoral violations are addressed. We urge citizens to remain peaceful as results are tallied and announced.
